The Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat is a miniature goat of West African origin. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are enjoying a rise in popularity due to their small size and colourful markings. Their small stature means they do not require as much space as larger dairy goat breeds, and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets.
They are easy to handle; even small children can be at ease with these little goats. A healthy Nigerian Dwarf ewe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size. The Nigerian Dwarf goat milk benefit is that it is higher in butterfat (6-10%) than most dairy goat breeds. However, many Nigerian Dwarf owners do not raise their goats for milk but for the pleasure and companionship, these little caprine bring to their lives.
Dwarf goats are gentle, lovable, and playful. Their calm, even temperament, and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled, and the elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children.
Breeders of other types of goats find their Dwarfs blend in with the rest of their herd and do not need special quarters; just adequate fencing to contain them because of their small size. Many Nigerian Dwarf goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas, and donkeys. In fact, they will often improve a pasture by removing brambles, undergrowth (including weeds), and ivy (even poison ivy) that other livestock won’t eat.
Colour is one of the factors that makes breeding Dwarfs so popular. You can never be sure what colour the kids will be until they are born; even then you can’t be sure because many times their colour may change. The main colour families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every colour combination imaginable being produced.
Dwarf scan be dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-coloured, or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate, or gold. Buckskin patterns are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a “cape” around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe, and leg markings. Brown eyes are the most common; however, dwarfs with China blue eyes are becoming increasingly popular and available.
Although they have similar origins, Nigerian Dwarfs and African Pygmies are separate and distinct breeds, with recognized differences. Pygmies are bred to be “cobby” and heavy boned. Dwarfs are bred to have the length of body and more elegant structure that’s similar to their larger dairy goat counterparts. Pygmies are also primarily “agouti” patterned, with black, silver, and caramel being the most common colours.